Manny Banuelos Debuts With Braves; Leaves Early With Cramps

It was the day that LHP Manny Banuelos had been waiting for, his Major League Debut.

The former Yankees southpaw was cruising to the Majors until he has to undergo Tommy John Surgery in 2012 and then seemed to struggle after his return. He joined the Braves’ Organization in January and has been quite effective and was even selected to play in the Triple-A All-Star Game after his solid outing with the Gwinett Braves so far this season.

Banuelos’ debut was set for Thursday night against none other than Washington Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer at Turner Field.

But, although that seems like tall feat the lefty cruised through, retiring thirteen straight batters but then ran into some trouble in the sixth inning.

But, it wasn’t the trouble fans might be expecting, Banuelos hit two consecutive batters in Denard Span and Danny Espinosa and was then taken out of the games due to cramps. A night that was so anticipated was cut so short, but definitely an optimistic look for the Braves. Banuelos finished the night with five and two thirds scoreless innings allowing just two hits and striking out seven batters.

His opponent, Scherzer (ERA 1.82) went eight and one third innings allowing two runs on five hits, striking out nine batters.

With the game tied at one run a piece going into the bottom of the ninth, a RBI single by Cameron Maybin with one out to allowing the Braves to take the 2-1 victory.

Scherzer was charged with the loss and falls to (9-6).